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FRANCHISE RESALES

Buy a Sylvan Learning Franchise

Sylvan Learning is a supplemental education franchise providing personalized tutoring and enrichment for K-12 students. Programs span math, reading, writing, study skills, college prep and STEM, delivered in-center, online, one-on-one and in small groups. Founded in 1979 and franchising since 1980, Sylvan is one of the longest-established names in US tutoring.

The brand operates through more than 710 points of presence across the United States, Canada and international markets, supported by relationships with around 5,000 schools. Sylvan is part of Unleashed Brands, a youth-enrichment franchise platform that also owns Urban Air and Snapology, giving it the backing of a multi-brand operator focused on children’s services.

The model is center-based and territory-protected. Owners deliver assessment-led instruction built around proprietary technology, including SylvanSync™ and SylvanInsight™, which guide tailored lesson plans and track student progress. Alongside classic one-on-one tutoring, centers offer group programs, college prep and STEM courses, plus institutional contracts with local school districts.

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Why buy a Sylvan Learning Franchise?

Sylvan Learning pairs decades of brand recognition with a category that has proven resilient across economic cycles and grown in relevance since pandemic-era learning loss. For anyone weighing whether to buy a Sylvan Learning franchise, the appeal is a household name in a tutoring market still dominated by independent operators.

The center-based model carries comparatively low investment for an education business and supports several revenue streams: one-on-one and group tutoring, college prep, STEM, and institutional contracts such as Sylvan’s school-district partnerships. Owners draw on proprietary curriculum and technology, a marketing toolkit and dedicated business consultants rather than building systems from scratch.

Sylvan Learning Franchise Costs & Information

Based on 2025 data reported in the 2026 FDD

  • Brand Profile

    • Year Founded

      1979

    • Franchising Since

      1985

    • New Startup Cost

      $117,600 – $288,400

    • Avg. Resale Price

      Contact us for details

  • Franchise Fees

    • Initial franchise Fee

      $46,900

      for new territories

    • Transfer Fee

      $6,000

      per location

    • Royalty Fee

      11–12%

      of Gross Sales

    • Marketing Fee

      5%

      of Gross Sales

  • Unit Performance

    • Total Units *

      433

    • New Units Opened *

      12

    • Units Transferred *

      26

    • Avg. Unit revenue *

      $375,780

    * Based on 2025 data reported in the 2026 FDD

Sylvan Learning – Additional  Information

  1. Training & Support

    Sylvan supports owners with self-paced digital initial owner training plus ongoing programs, including monthly regional calls. Dedicated Franchise Business Consultants provide operational coaching, and owners run instruction on the proprietary SylvanSync™ and SylvanInsight™ platforms for lesson planning and progress tracking. A marketing toolkit covers local and national campaigns across email, social and grassroots efforts, plus live in-person training and an active owner network. Resale buyers should confirm what onboarding and SylvanSync™ access transfer to incoming owners, and the certification status of existing instructional staff.

  2. Ideal Owner

    Sylvan suits hands-on, community-minded owners who enjoy working with families and want an education-focused business. Teaching credentials help but aren't required, as the franchisor supplies curriculum, technology and training. The role is led by local marketing, enrollment and managing a team of instructors rather than teaching directly, so owners should be comfortable building relationships with schools and parents, driving lead flow and overseeing day-to-day center operations. The model rewards operators who balance customer service with disciplined management and are motivated by measurable student outcomes.

  3. Recognition & Awards

    Sylvan Learning ranks No. 98 on Entrepreneur's 2026 Franchise 500 (up from No. 115 in 2025) and No. 95 on its 2026 Fastest-Growing Franchises list, and Entrepreneur has named it a top low-cost franchise. With more than 45 years in supplemental education, it is among the most recognized names in the category, backed by parent Unleashed Brands. District partnerships, including work with the Los Angeles Unified School District, and a Franchise Advisory Council add institutional credibility. For resale buyers, brand recognition should be weighed alongside the specific center's local reviews and reputation.

  4. Industry / Market

    The US private tutoring market is large and growing, with Technavio projecting an increase of roughly USD 32 billion between 2025 and 2030 at an 11% compound annual rate. Demand is driven by post-pandemic learning loss, with national assessments showing declines in math and reading scores, alongside rising academic competition, dual-income families and growing spending on STEM and college prep. The category is fragmented and largely served by independents, and demand tends to hold up across economic cycles. For resale buyers, local enrollment, school demographics and competition shape a center's potential.

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